PhD Position: Dynamics of protein aggregation: Formation of oligomers, fibrils, and other aggregates of Aβ

With a staff of 4700, Forschungszentrum Jülich - a member of the Helmholtz Association of German National Research Centers - is one of the largest interdisciplinary research centers in Europe.

An interdisciplinary Ph. D position in the field of Structural Biochemistry/ Soft Matter/ Neutron scattering is offered as a joint Ph. D. between the Institute of Structural Biochemistry (ICS-6) and the Jülich Center of Neutron Science (JCNS-1), funded by the Board of Directors.
In Alzheimer's dementia, the formation of protein aggregates is the cause leading to the pathological changes in the brain, which are associated with the loss of cognitive properties. From the elucidation of the formation mechanism and in particular the structure of such protein complexes, we hope to get a deeper understanding of the causes of the disease and indications for possible targets for therapy of Alzheimer's dementia. The Ph. D project will examine the early stages of such pathogenic protein complexes. Using established methods for studying protein oligomerization (e.g. Analytical Ultracentrifugation, Dynamic Light Scattering, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy) combined with methods typically applied in soft matter physics of non-biological polymers (e.g. time resolved Small Angle Neutron Scattering, Neutron Spinecho Spectroscopy), a more quantitative picture of Aβ aggregation will be developed. Here SANS gives a unique opportunity to study the oligomerization with a non-destructive scattering method.

The joint Ph.D. is carried out at the Institute for Physical Biology at the University of Düsseldorf, supervised by Prof. Dr. D. Willbold in cooperation with the Center of Jülich Neutron Science (JCNS). Place of work will be the Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany.

Your Profile:

• Master or Diploma in physics, biophysics or chemistry (above-average)
• Good knowledge about scattering methods and data analysis, biochemical methods and protein physics are advantageous but no requirement
• Good command of English language/ good communication skills

What we offer:

• An exciting topic of both scientific and social relevance in the intermediate area of physics, biophysics and medicine
• Young and motivated research team
• Excellent experimental equipment with access to leading international Neutron sources
• International research environment

Equal opportunity is a cornerstone of our staff policy. Applications from disabled persons are welcomed. Depending on the candidate's profile payment will be based on the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service (TVöD). The position should be filled immediately for a duration of three years.

Your contact:

Please send your application (including CV, master/diploma thesis and exam results) by email to Dr. Ralf Biehl.



Dr. Ralf Biehl
Forschungszentrum Jülich
Jülich Centre of Neutron Science and Institute of Complex Systems (JCNS1 & ICS1)
52425 Jülich

E-Mail: ra.biehl@fz-juelich.de
Telefon: +49 2461 61 4685
Web page: http://www.fz-juelich.de/ics/ics-1